Class Descriptions

Salsa with Juan uses a proven method of teaching that emphasizes repetition and practice.  Our Best of the Bay Instructors will get you dancing the basics in one hour!  Each week we repeat the former week's lesson AND learn something new!  In Level 2+ (Intermediate+) you will learn a new pattern with a varying theme each month, with add-ons to challenge those who are in between Levels. Students are surprised at feeling so comfortable with the atmosphere - we have some of the friendliest dancers in the Bay Area!  You will enjoy the recognizable beat of the Salsa music we play and gain confidence and skill with our progressive monthly series.  Each class starts with a one or two song fun warm-up.  Come join us for a month...or longer!  Many students have been with us for years and you can read their great reviews on Salsa with Juan's YELP page.  Don't wait any longer to embark on a lifetime of fun, friends and dancing with the Salsa with Juan Family

ALWAYS OFFERED

Beginning - Level 1

Learn the basics of Salsa dancing! We will teach you the Forward and Back Basic, Side, Cuban, Cross Body Lead, Right Turn, proper frame and connection and Lead/Follow techniques. You be partnering from Day One.  This class provides an introduction to the 8 count rhythm of Salsa dancing and builds your foundation first before getting into heavy patterns.  We review each week, learn something new and address questions throughout the month.

Pre-Intermediate - Level 1.5

We review all of the Basics from Level 1 and take you beyond that. This class introduces mini-patterns by putting together the Basics and improving your technique to get in and out of those steps more comfortably and with style. Learn more complex moves such as He-goes/She-goes while building your confidence in partner dancing - in preparation for the Intermediate Level!

Intermediate - Level 2

We will briefly review the mini-patterns from Level 1.5 and add new combinations. Leaders and Followers begin to learn up to 8 counts of 8-beat patterns. We focus on dance technique and timing for a deeper understanding of how to “play” with the music.  Each month the pattern focuses on a different theme, for example, the hammerlock.  At this level we encourage students to keep practicing their basics and improve their connection with their partner.  Your basic skills will be challenged but you will enjoy the explicit break down our instructors give in order to achieve your Salsa dance goals.

Pre-Advanced - Level 2.5

Leaders and Followers will begin to learn spins.  We focus on students developing their own unique style by working with timing, body awareness, and “shine” work. (To “shine” means to dance separately from your partner, incorporating more footwork and upper-body styling.)  Footwork patterns are given in 2nd week and incorporated into a more advanced pattern that is reviewed throughout the 4 week class.

Advanced - Level 3

This is the highest level of regular Salsa class Salsa with Juan offers and you are expected to know Basics, good connection, Lead and Follow techniques and be comfortable with complex patterns. You will continue to learn more complex choreography up to 12 counts of 8-beat patterns.  The emphasis is on technique and connection to the music, while fully developing your unique style. This level will sharpen your technical skills and can be physically demanding. Advanced footwork patterns are given in 2nd week and incorporated into an advanced pattern that is reviewed throughout the 4 week class.

OFFERED AT VARIOUS TIMES IN THE YEAR

Workshops -  Month long series that builds slowly.  Often offered with music CDs and group nights out.

Workshops are 1 1/2 hour classes, taught in a progressive month-long series. There is a 10 person minimum per class and sign-ups are due before the class begins. All levels welcome unless otherwise indicated.

Ladies Styling - Beginner to Intermediate

Find your Feminine Flourish by learning more about Contra Body motion, hand and arm placement, practical situations, musicality, footwork and more!  Offered several times a year.

Turns and Spins - Beginning to Intermediate

The first part of the class focuses on solo turns and spins, understanding the difference between the two, posture, spotting, muscle connection, foot placement, arm and hand placement, understanding your axis, single, doubles and triples, with a goal of performing solid turns and spins.

The second part of the class focuses on partnering, with an emphasis on balance between the follower and the leader.

Leaders: For leaders understand how to best use the movement combined with the followers momentum and how to use that to your advantage in order to be able to spin the follower multiple times. Learn consistent arm placement to keep your followers on the spot or be able to move them where you want. Understanding different turns in spins and how to lead a follower in a spin saftely and without injury.

Followers: For the followers, learn how to center yourself, arm placement, consistency, different turns and spins, being able to protect yourself at any time, understanding the action / reaction process, being able to follow without back-leading and how to use your core to keep your balance.

Musicality

Ah, the reason most people take up dancing is because of the MUSIC!  Juan Gil's unique Workshop is highly recommended for those seeking to understand how to move with the beat.  Students will learn:  the Structure of Music for Dancer, Music Styles and Personalities, Matching your Creativity/Movement to the Music and go over all the problem areas dancers have when it comes to finding, keeping and using the beat!  A must for the serious Salsa dancer, or anyone who is musically challenged!

Intensives - A shorter format class designed to progress rapidly - the Fast Track to learning

Intensives are 2 hour classes given in less than a month with a 1/2 hour guided practice included in each class.  The instructors and assistants will offer tips and advice during the practice dancing. There is a 10 person minimum per class and sign-ups are due before the class begins. All levels welcome unless otherwise indicated.

Bachata - Beginning

Introduction to Bachata from beginning to intermediate levels. Learn about the music and the timing, the connection between you and your partner, body positioning, floor work and how to dance in a crowded or empty floor. Workshop includes practice time for individual instruction.

Bachata - Intermediate

Review of the basics then move on at a faster pace. Learn more complex patterns with emphasis on technique and the importance of timing.

Cha - Cha - Intermediate

Learn Cha-Cha on ‘2’ with emphasis on interacting with your partner. This dance complements Salsa and Mambo and is lots of fun - a tasty side dish to savor on the dance floor!

Mambo - Beginning

Learn the basics of Mambo and explore the differences between Mambo on ‘2’ and Salsa on ‘1.’ Every week we review patterns from the previous week and learn a new combination. This class is fun, yet challenging to the mind and body!

Mambo - Intermediate

Review of the basics. Begin working on spins for both Leaders and Followers. More emphasis on technique and the importance of timing, in context of the distinctions between Mambo on ‘2’ and Salsa on ‘1.’

Rueda de Casino - Beginning

Introduction to Rueda (aka Casino Rueda, Salsa Rueda). Learn the basics of this type of “community” Salsa which is danced in a circle and with multiple partner transitions. The circle can be from as little as 2 dancers to 100’s of dancers. Focus is on understanding basic “calls” or dance moves by the main “caller”. The dancers listen to the instruction of the caller and learn the hand signals and names for each call. Timing is very important and understanding the music and connection between you and your partner and body positioning is key. This is a fun dance and interactive with many dancers. Workshop includes practice time for individual instruction.

Rueda de Casino - Intermediate

More calls! Faster transitions, faster music, and more fun!

Pre-requisite: Understanding of the basics from the beginning series.